Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs)

Material Transfer Agreements are essentially contracts between two parties that describe the terms and conditions underlying the transfer of biological materials, chemical compounds, and other tangible research materials.

To facilitate the processing of both outgoing MTAs (Wayne State-owned materials to be transferred to an outside organization) and incoming MTAs (materials owned by an outside organization transferred to Wayne State), Technology Commercialization and Sponsored Program Administration have established the following procedures:

Outgoing MTAs

For assistance with outgoing MTAs, contact Technology Commercialization. We will evaluate the proposed conditions of the material transfer and compose an appropriate agreement. Please complete the Outgoing MTA Questionnaire (.doc) to begin the process for materials other than cell lines. If you are transferring cell lines please complete the Cell Line MTA Questionnaire (PDF). With respect to the specific terms of the agreement, should any negotiations be necessary with the receiving party, Technology Commercialization will have responsibility for the negotiations.

Incoming MTAs

Incoming MTAs are also managed by Technology Commercialization. Researchers will be required to complete an Affirmation Memorandum and forward the original MTA and signed Affirmation Memo to the MTA Assistant for processing. Upon receipt of these documents, the MTA will be processed based upon one of two scenarios:

Standard procedure:

Provider (either a company, university or government lab) sends WSU researcher the MTA to review, sign and have signed by an authorized WSU official;

Provider will always be a university or other non-profit organization which is a signatory to the UBMTA Master Agreement and will use the UBMTA Implementing Letter or the Simple Letter Agreement to cover the transfer

WSU researcher receives one of these two forms and provides it to Technology Commercialization along with a completed Affirmation Memorandum.

Technology Commercialization signs MTA and sends original agreements to provider.

MTA undergoes final administrative handling and Technology Commercialization sends copy of the MTA to WSU researcher.